CHARLOTTETOWN - While NDP Leader Jack Layton took to the stage at the East Coast Music Awards on Friday, a lone liberal foot soldier stole the show.

Cape Breton fiddling sensation Ashley MacIsaac crashed the opening of Layton's Atlantic swing by stumping for the local Grit candidate both in and outside the hotel where the awards are being held this weekend. The RCMP left him alone.

Known for his kilts as well as his electrifying performances and eccentric behavior, the 2006 Liberal leadership candidate exchanged his fiddle for a Grit placard and used his soapbox to rail against Conservative Leader Stephen Harper.

Layton said MacIsaac's presence shows how open his events are compared to Harper's.

"He's a character, that's for sure, and a fun guy and I love him when he has his fiddle on the go."

Layton was in P.E.I. to announce how an NDP government would fund half the $90 million cost to run a third power transmission cable to the mainland to keep the island lit.

Earlier in the day, he was in Montreal where he pressed the flesh at a popular bakery and market where the soft voices of a live children's choir echoed. He greeted patrons, shook hands and nibbled on some fresh bread.

He also denied there is a deal with the Liberals to hide an NDP candidate in the Caribbean to give the Liberals a better shot at retaining Ajax-Pickering from star Conservative candidate Chris Alexander, a former Afghan ambassador.

The NDP hopes to make inroads in P.E.I., which was a former Liberal bastion until 2008 when Conservative Gail Shea was elected. Four seats are at stake.